NRCS Chief makes announcement from Oklahoma

Communities across the nation, including in Oklahoma, will benefit from a $262 million investment to rehabilitate dams that provide critical infrastructure and protect public health and safety. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Chief Jason Weller and Representative Frank Lucas, chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, were in Oklahoma to recognize the importance of this announcement to agriculture and communities nationwide.

“This investment will protect people and property from floods, help keep our water clean, and ensure that critical structures continue to provide benefits for future generations,” Weller Said. Families, businesses and our agriculture economy depend on responsible management of dams and watersheds, and we are continuing to provide that support to these communities.”

A number of the projects to be funded are in Oklahoma and Weller noted that Oklahoma had the first full watershed plan and structure completed by USDA on private lands in the 1940s. From the 1940s through the 1970s, local communities using NRCS assistance, constructed more than 11,800 dams in 47 states. These watershed management projects provide an estimated $2.2 billion in annual benefits in reduced flooding and erosion damages, and improved recreation, water supplies and wildlife habitat for an estimated 47 million Americans. Weller said that funding provided through this announcement will provide rehabilitation assistance for 150 dams in 26 states. Funds will be used for planning, design, or construction. Also, 500 dam sites will be assessed for safety through NRCS’ Watershed Rehabilitation Program. For a complete list of the projects, click here. Overall, an estimated 250,000 people will benefit as a result of improved flood protection made possible by these rehabilitated dams.

Watershed Dam No.26 in the Upper Black Bear Creek Watershed of Noble County will be included in a USDA-funded rehabilitation partnership project. Currently awaiting rehabilitation design, the dam provides protection against flooding to about 550 Oklahomans who live and work downstream.